Australians will always remember February 2009 for the destructive Black Saturday firestorms that left a path of destruction and anguish across parts of Victoria.

Nearly five years since the fires killed 173 people and destroyed more than 2,000 homes, a remarkable memorial will be unveiled in the town of Whittlesea.

Blacksmiths from around Australia and the world have spent countless hours crafting a memorial tree that weighs two-and-a-half tonnes and features more than 3,500 intricate and individually forged leaves.